Vachu International

Cassia is an aromatic bark, similar to cinnamon, but differing in strength and quality. Its bark is darker, thicker and coarser, and the corky outer bark is often left on. The outer surface is rough and grayish brown, the inside barks is smoother and reddish-brown. It is less costly than cinnamon and is often sold ground as cinnamon. When buying as sticks, cinnamon rolls into a single quill while cassia is rolled from both sides toward the centre so that they end up resembling scrolls. Cassia buds. Cassia buds resemble cloves. They are the dried unripe fruits about 14 mm (1/2 in) long and half as wide. It is native to Burma and grown in China, Indo-China, the East and West Indies and Central America. One of the oldest spices known to man. It has a strong characteristic aroma and flavor. We may sometimes hear cinnamon refer to as cassia. This term is used to distinguish between the Southeast Asia and the Ceylon type of cinnamon. Almost all of the cinnamon consumed in the United States is derived from trees grown in Southeast Asia. Nowadays cinnamon is used to flavor bakery and dairy products, as well as drinks. Cassia-cinnamon is such a familiar and beloved spice it needs little introduction. A global favorite for its delicious aromatic flavor.

Turmeric powder is a bright yellow powder made by dry grinding of mature turmeric rhizomes (underground stems). The use of turmeric for coloring and flavoring food, for cosmetic purposes and for medicinal properties dates back to the ancient Vedic culture of India. Used in almost all Indian curries, this spice has almost no calories (1 tablespoon = 24 calories) and zero cholesterol. It is rich in dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. Health Benefits of Turmeric The wide range of turmeric health benefits come mainly from its main ingredient, curcumin. This widely researched component of turmeric is highly therapeutic and is used in various drugs and pharmaceutics mainly because of its immunity boosting and anti-oxidant properties. Boosting Immunity – Curcumin has a huge therapeutic value and boosting immunity is one of the most important properties of curcumin. “5 to 8 times stronger than vitamin E and stronger than vitamin C, this antioxidant breakthrough may help boost your immunity, maintain normal cholesterol levels, and put the brakes on aging Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant Property – Free radical causing oxidative damage of DNA and proteins are associated with a variety of chronic diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Curcumin plays an important role in curbing these conditions.

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum Plant Family: Piperaceae Country of Origin: India Plant Part: White Peppercorns Growth Method: Wild Harvest Extraction Method: Steam Distillation Color: Clear Consistency: Thin Strength of Aroma: Medium Pepper is a perennial vine of the Piperaceae family indigenous to the Malbar coast of India. It is now cultivated in most tropical parts of the world. Pepper bears clusters of small flowers and small spherical fruits that turn red when they ripen. The berry-like fruits eventually become the peppercorns, and each one bears a single seed. The hot spice of White Pepper is made from its berries. It is the fully mature fruits from which the soft, fleshy outer layers had been ground off before drying. The berries of the pepper plant are called peppercorns and these plants are native to southern Asia. This plant was the main spice the European explorers were looking for when they discovered the New World. It still accounts for one fourth of the spice trade in the world. Did you know that white and black pepper come from the same plant? The white variety is allowed to fully ripen on the vine, as opposed to the black peppercorns, which is why it costs a bit more. The skins are peeled off and the inside of the peppercorn is white. White peppercorns have an earthy flavor whereas black peppercorns simply give heat to a dish. The white ones are popular in Mexican, Indian, and Asian dishes, perhaps because a lot of these recipes are spicy and earthy already and the white pepper complements the overall flavor of the dish. If you want to use white pepper, it is best to buy whole peppercorns because the flavor is longer lasting. Peppercorns start to lose their potency when you grind them, which is why freshly ground pepper is usually recommended.

Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal. The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root, or simply ginger. Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.

White pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae. Black and white peppercorns are both the fruit of the pepper plant, but they are processed differently. Black peppercorns are picked when almost ripe and sun-dried, turning the outer layer black. White pepper is prepared by having the outer layer removed before or after drying, leaving only the inner seed. Peppercorns are widely believed to the most commonly used culinary spice in the world. It has been used throughout history in herbal medicine and to preserve food. White pepper may aid in digestion. White pepper can assist in energy production and antioxidant defense. White pepper may improve dental health. White pepper may help skin conditions. White pepper may help with weight loss. White pepper is helpful for improving bone health.